Member Mail 5 / 2014
CLA Negotiations with Swiss- Looking into the two other Swiss CLAs
- Looking into the Situation at Lufthansa
- Outlook
Dear Colleagues
During the past few months we held several meetings for members and all those interested. We had a lot of valuable contacts and we, as the union leaders, could take note of the concerns and needs of the participants.
We could understand that many of our colleagues were annoyed about the working conditions not having developed as desired over the past years. In a lively exchange we pointed out that the level of union membership, i.e. the number of members and their readiness to get involved (and to make the necessary pressure as required) is vital to strengthen our bargaining position against Swiss.
- Looking into the other Swiss CLAs
In a few weeks’ time Swiss experienced that collective labour agreements (CLAs) which had been negotiated were given the brush-off twice by the “flying colleagues”, the rank and file. In previous CLA negotiations for ground staff we realized that our grass-roots took rather little advantage of their chances of contributing to our union work. Now we could see that this had changed. The expectations of those concerned regarding a fair development of the CLA for ground staff have enormously increased. Some of the attendees even regarded Swiss’ cancellation of the CLA in December 2013 as an open declaration of war on the part of the employer.
- Looking into the Situation at Lufthansa
As a member of the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF – www.etf-europe.org) and International Workers’ Federation (ITF- www.itfglobal.org) SEV-GATA is closely connected with sister organisations in Germany being on strike against Lufthansa. So far SEV-GATA has supported other means of settling conflicts with employers. But then the employers should be acting differently, too. Gratefully I accepted the solidarity and support from our sister organisations in Germany, which might be of importance in case of any escalation.
- Outlook
On 1 April 2014 during the round of negotiations we gave in to the pressure of all other negotiating partners (employer and employees) not to inform anyone about the contents of the talks while bargaining was going on. We shall see, whether this has a positive effect on the climate and the outcome of the negotiations. Of course we’ll keep our members informed of any interruption, break off or settlement to be ratified.
And don’t forget: Our negotiations can only be successful if we join forces. So please distribute this mail, download the application for membership
http://www.sev-gata.ch/downloads/1370250811_Beitrittserklaerung_E.pdf, get your bonus and help bringing our negotiations to a successful conclusion.
Last but not least: On 18 May 2014 we need a clear YES in favour of the union’s petition “For the protection of fair wages (minimum wage initiative)”. On 21 May our general SEV-GATA meeting will take place. Further info to follow.
A dedicated fight for fair working conditions is worthwhile!
With kind regards
SEV-GATA, your union of the aviation industry
Philipp Hadorn, Präsident GATA: SEV-Aviation
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